Water Tower Park Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025120580
Public Agency
City of Hawthorne
Document Title
Water Tower Park Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/12/2025
Document Description
To provide new public recreational space within the existing urban fabric, the Project proposes to remove existing onsite improvements and in their place construct a small park (e.g., a “mini” or “pocket” park) that would serve the immediate neighborhood within walking distance (approximately 0.25-mile radius). The proposed park would include accessibility improvements, with pedestrian access provided by a sidewalk that would meander around the park’s southern and eastern frontages along Ramona Avenue. The proposed park would also include various amenities such as landscaping and trees, benches, seating areas, two small children's play apparatus ("tot lot") and a playground area, shaded picnic area, multi-sport concrete court, two fitness stations, and restrooms. The Project does not propose any onsite parking.
Contact Information
Name
Akbar Farokhi
Agency Name
City of Hawthorne
Job Title
Director of Public Works
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Hawthorne
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Michu Lane and Ramona Avenue
Zip
90250
Total Acres
.5
Parcel #
740-011-18
State Highways
I-405 and 1-105
Railways
Union Pacific Railroad
Airports
Hawthorne Municipal Airport, Los
Schools
Family First Charter School (Hawthorne), Hawthorne Math & Scienc
Waterways
San Dominguez Channel
Township
3S
Range
14W
Section
00
Other Location Info
Address: 4623 Michu Lane, Hawthorne, CA 90250
Other Information
Airports: Hawthorne Municipal Airport, Los Angeles International Airport
Schools: Family First Charter School (Hawthorne), Hawthorne Math & Science Academy, Al Huda Islamic School, Eucalyptus Elementary School, Hawthorne High School, Hawthorne Middle School, Washington Elementary School, Humble Hearts Academy, Options For Youth, Ramona Elementary School, School of Champions, St Joseph's Catholic School, York Elementary School
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 15: §15315, Minor Land Divisions Class 32: §15332, Infill Development
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed Project has been determined to not have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, is found to be exempt from CEQA pursuant to §15315 (Class 15) because it consists of a division of property that meets all of the following conditions: it is in an urbanized area as defined by Public Resources Code §21071; it is zoned for industrial use (i.e., M-1 Limited Industrial Classification); it proposes to subdivide the property into three parcels, which is four or fewer parcels; it is in conformance with the City’s General Plan and Zoning; it would meet all applicable M-1 zone standards, thus, no variances or exceptions would be required; all services and access would be available to the proposed park to local standards; the parcel was not involved in the division of a larger parcel within the previous two years; and with a relatively flat topography, the parcel does not have a slope greater than 20 percent.
The proposed Project has been determined to not have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, is found to be exempt from CEQA pursuant to §15332 (Class 32) because it meets all of the following conditions: it is consistent with the General Plan’s Public Facilities designation and policies, and M-1 zone regulations; it would occur within City limits on a 0.5-acre Project site (i.e., which is less than 5.0 acres) and is substantially surrounded by urban uses; it would occur on a Project site that is fully improved and has no habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species; it’s approval would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and it would occur on a Project site that would be adequately served by all required utilities and public services.
Finally, pursuant to §15300.2: Exceptions, the proposed Project does not meet any of the exceptions that would bar a CE.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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